IF Hollywood legend John Wayne were to be reincarnated it would be as a Jeep Wrangler.

This massive 4x4 is just like the square-jawed Hollywood hero who starred in classic westerns and showed plenty of true grit.

As well as sharing the initials ‘JW' both also have a reassuring uncompromising presence.

The Wrangler's old school straight-edged box-like look and traditional Jeep face may not be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to modern motoring style, but I have to confess I love it.

And if you're faced with the worst a winter can throw at you, or simply want to abandon normal roads for some off-road action, then this diesel-powered monster is just the ticket. There's also no danger of losing it in a car park as it stands head and shoulders above any normal vehicle.

The Wrangler is tame enough to negotiate the school run but if that's all you want then there are plenty of SUVs out there that are far more comfortable.

The reality is this is a serious off-roader with a suspension that is built for boulders. It demands to be taken on safari as often as possible where its outstanding performance can shine through the mediocrity of the highway code.

Climbing into the cabin you appreciate the Wrangler is a Tardis in reverse.

From the outside it looks as if there is going to be a cavernous amount of interior space - but the driving position is actually quite snug with everything close to hand including automatic headlights and wipers plus cruise control and efficient climate control.

There are steering wheel-mounted buttons that allow things like the radio to be adjusted without having to take your eyes of the road - or mountain pass.

The Overland model I drove also features heated leather seats which are very welcome on cold frosty mornings.  

Sitting high up you get a good view of the rest of the motoring world at the front, although a middle rear headrest means the view is not great out of the back.

Space in the rear is fine, but I must admit I was expecting more, while the boot is a decent size accessed via a side-hinged door and a top-hinged window.

The 2.8-litre oil burner under the bonnet has plenty of pulling power - aided and abetted by a super-smooth automatic transmission with a low ratio option when it comes to serious muddy mayhem.

And all things considered it's not too bad on the juice achieving about 30mpg on a normal road surface.

It looks like it should be a safe vehicle to travel in and indeed it's hard to see much making an impact on its sturdy bodywork. But that said the Wrangler comes with just the two airbags, although stability and hill descent control are also included.

The Jeep brand has been successful over the past few years with global sales up four per cent last year to an all-time record of 731,565 vehicles.

At its heart is the award-winning hardcore Wrangler which is the essence of what Jeep is about and is a short-list must for those looking for a modern go-anywhere motor with an iconic design.